KRG PM talks economic, historical ties in meeting with high-level Russian energy delegation

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – A high-level delegation from the Russian Ministry of Energy on Thursday met with the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Prime Minister to discuss oil and gas deals, and emphasize cooperation between the two nations.

The delegation consisted of Pavel Sorokin, Russia’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Vladislav Baryshnikov, Vice-President of Rosneft, and an accompanying group of diplomats.

The delegation praised “the cooperation, historical relations between the Kurdistan Region and Russia and for making the work and projects of Russian companies easier and providing them assistance,” read a statement released by the KRG. 

During the meeting, KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani expressed readiness for the KRG to help improve the work of Russian businesses in the region, especially in the energy sector, streamlining contracts.

Barzani pointed out that the Kurdistan Region’s economy is in a period of growth and has become an attractive pick for foreign investors, highlighting that Erbil continues to welcome foreign firms.

Enhancing old relations, emphasizing the importance of Russian energy sector businesses’ work in the Kurdistan Region, and discussing regional political trends were among other subjects touched upon during the meeting.

Rosneft, Russia’s oil giant, recently revealed its plans to start upstream projects in the Kurdistan Region by the end of 2018. The deals, based on a production sharing agreement between Rosneft and the KRG, were signed in October 2017.

Editing by Nadia Riva